Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Oct 17: Contrary to the initial reports that the bomb threats to different airlines could be the mischievous work of a minor, the Central intelligence agencies are believed to have traced IP addresses where threats were posted to London and Germany.
More than 20 flights of Indian carriers — both domestic and international — have received bomb threats this week. On Monday, three international flights of Indian carriers received bomb threats, and another 10 flights received similar threats on Tuesday. A day after, there were at least six such threats. These threats came via social media platforms, and after security checks, they were declared to be fake.
Immediately after taking over the investigation into the hoax bomb threats, the central intelligence agencies asked X to share the IP addresses from where all the posts were generated. They also asked to deactivate all such accounts, sources said. “We have received the preliminary reports and they have informed us that posts were made from three separate handles. Of these three handles, they have traced two IP addresses; two common IPs from London and Deutschland. The users have tweeted after using a virtual private network or VPN – an encrypted connection over the Internet between a device and a remote server that’s aimed at masking one’s online identity. Details of another handle are still awaited,” the sources said.
After receiving the replies, the central intelligence agencies have asked X to share some more specific details and they are waiting for their response, the source said. “This month so far, the IGI Airport Police responded to seven incidents involving reported bomb threats. After thorough verifications and inspection, all threats were confirmed to be hoaxes. Legal action has been initiated against those responsible for these false alarms to ensure strict measures against misuse and to maintain the safety and security of passengers and airport operations,” the Delhi airport police said.
“An FIR has been registered under sections 217 and 351 (4) of the BNS, as well as section 3 (1) (d) of the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982, in connection with the recent hoax bomb threat concerning Akasa Air flight. A detailed investigation is currently underway and after coordinating with the concerned social media platform, all accounts responsible for spreading these false threats have been suspended to prevent further misuse and ensure public safety,” the police added.